A bold proposal

The next morning, Eila made her way to the pack house, where the corridors whispered with the scents of herbs and spellwork.

Waiting within the old study was Nina—the witch whose presence always seemed to shimmer with mystique. Draped in flowing indigo robes embroidered with silver sigils, Nina looked as ethereal as ever, her raven-black hair cascading down her back like a midnight waterfall.

"You're right on time," Nina said, her voice melodic and low. "We have much to cover."

The lessons began swiftly. Nina walked her through the fundamentals of magic—its branches, its boundaries, and the myriad of magical creatures that roamed their world, often unnoticed. Eila listened with rapt attention, her curiosity crackling like static in the air.

Nina delved into elemental magic, explaining how some werewolves were born with dormant affinities—fire, earth, water, and air. While their powers were not as potent as a witch's, they played a crucial role in everyday life. Warriors gifted with elemental strength often formed the backbone of the pack's defences, using their abilities to protect what mattered most.

Eila's mind spun with possibilities. Could I have an affinity too? she wondered. Her fascination only deepened when Nina explained that Moonshine University trained all students in basic elemental control. Those with natural talent were honed further, while others were taught to recognize and respect the energy of the elements.

Eila made a mental note to ask Zois and Lukas about their training. Surely, the twins had mastered something remarkable by now—they were known to be among the university's finest.

Then her thoughts wandered to Leonard. Leo's been to the university too. What magic does he wield? she asked Nina, hoping for an answer.

But Nina only offered a secretive smile and said, "That's a question best left for Leonard himself. He doesn't talk about it. And he certainly doesn't want me to."

That answer only deepened Eila's curiosity.

By the time the lesson ended, her mind was brimming with new knowledge. Nina promised they'd begin practical exercises the next day—before her brief departure to the witches' coven. Eila looked outside. The afternoon sun had begun its descent, casting long amber streaks across the windows.

Her stomach grumbled softly. She took out the simple meal she'd brought—fresh bread and ripe forest berries—and ate quietly before making her way to the pack's library. The air was thick with the scent of old leather and ink. She buried herself in books about pack politics, trying to make sense of the intricate alliances and historical tensions that shaped their world.

Time slipped away.

A sudden clearing of a throat made her jump. She turned quickly, eyes wide—and froze.

Lukas stood leaning against the doorway, silver hair glinting in the fading light, arms folded casually across his chest. A faint, teasing smile tugged at his lips.

"Didn't mean to scare you," he said. "But you were so lost in that book, I thought you'd forgotten the world."

Eila blinked, surprised to see him alone. "Where's Zois?" she asked, the question slipping out before she could stop herself.

Lukas raised an eyebrow, his smile twitching into a smirk. "Disappointed it's just me?"

Her cheeks warmed instantly. "No! I mean, I was just curious."

"Mmhmm." He walked over and dropped into the seat beside her, his presence quiet but undeniable. "So, what's caught your attention so deeply?"

"Pack politics," she admitted, showing him the open pages. "It's complicated. I wanted to understand it better."

To her surprise, Lukas leaned in and offered detailed explanations, even scribbling out a few quick diagrams on spare parchment to simplify the concepts. His insight was sharp, his voice calm and assured. Eila found herself absorbing more from him in those few minutes than she had from the book in hours.

When she finally looked up from her notes, the sky outside had turned deep violet.

"I should go," she murmured, gathering her things.

But Lukas caught her wrist, his fingers gentle yet firm. She looked up, startled to see a flicker of emotion in his eyes—something tender, something real.

He took a deep breath. "Would you… like to stay the night with me?"

Eila froze, her breath caught somewhere between her ribs and her heart. The world seemed to pause around them. Her lips parted in silent surprise as she tried to process what he'd just said.

He didn't let go. He simply waited—for her answer.